Rocket Science

A masterpiece by an astonishing group of musicians. Bela & group continue to push their unique smashup of jazz, prog-grass, and world influences to new & dazzling heights.
After 20 years away, keyboard/harmonica player Howard Levy returns, replacing saxman Jeff Coffin. Levy’s harp tone—usually sweet and orchestral, rather than a bluesy honk—adds an ethnic-folkmusic feel to several tracks.

All instrumental. No FCC issues.

1. ** Pastoral theme. Terrific ensemble playing by everyone. Fast, spirited, joyful. (5:58)
2. * Blues harp and a funky bass are featured. Electric banjo sounds like a lead guitar. (3:50)
3. * Mid-tempo, lyrical, lovely. Almost classical sounding. Piano and banjo, played mandolin style, weave round each other. Sudden segue into #4. (2:40)
4. ** Orange Blossom-like harp. Add breakdown banjo, funky bass, jazz piano. Fast. (5:25)
5. * Jazz, with banjo as the guitar and harp as the sax. Fine bass solo. Moderate fast. (5:10)
6. * Folk-funk-fusion insanity. Harp is gypsy folk, banjo is electric, bass is like Jaco risen. (7:58)
7. By & featuring the bassist. Pretty folk-ish melody is explored by harp, banjo, bass. (4:42)
8. Strange start: strummed piano strings, growling bass. Morphs to an alt-grass thing. (7:58)
9. * Futureman on African percussion, bird sounds & the kitchen sink. (2:12)
10. *** Folk melody, modal improv? I dunno. Hebrew wedding dance on speed? Whatever! Tour de force on piano; Bela rocks it; bass player goes nuts. Fast! (5:56)
11. ** Pretty, pastoral folksong theme. Soulful harp and bass solos. Mid-tempo. (6:51)
12. ** Country feel especially from banjo and harp. Funky jazz bass though. Fast. (5:52)